Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Negotia

Digital Currencies: Is Africa Ready?

2024-03-29T10:21:03+00:00

Digital currencies are likely to modify the way businesses, people and governments transact in Africa. Nonetheless, several factors need to be assessed before the wide adoption of digital currencies in the continent. These factors include the regulatory environment for fintech, the condition of digital infrastructure and the degree of financial inclusion. This paper assesses the readiness of African countries for the issuance of digital currencies. The paper gives an overview of the African countries that have implemented or are considering implementing digital countries. It discusses the issues to be considered for a conducive environment to launch digital currencies. It explores the opportunities and challenges of developing and issuing digital currencies in Africa. The paper finds that although the developed mobile money network infrastructure, high mobile money penetration, the growth of the digital economy and high degrees of financial exclusion position Africa well for the adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), several challenges need to be addressed. These encompass lower levels of financial inclusion, digital exclusion, the digital divide, poor digital infrastructure and regulatory uncertainty. The paper provides recommendations for improving the prospects of digital currencies in Africa. These include the creation of a legal and regulatory framework for digital currencies, investing in digital infrastructure, improving internet connectivity and educating citizens on digital currencies. Digital currencies can lead to improved economic growth, increase cross border payments, promote financial inclusion and sustainable development.

Article history: Received: November 8, 2023; Reviewed: January 31, 2024;
Accepted: February 20, 2024; Available online: March 29, 2024.

JEL Classification: F39

A Review of Generations X and Y’ Work Values and Attitudes Across North America and Europe

2024-03-29T10:51:51+00:00

The Generational Theory, on the other hand, has been used uniformly in numerous studies without taking into account the historical, social, and cultural variations from one place to another. Because Generation X, and Millennials are currently the most significant generational cohorts for the employment market, this study aims to investigate from a historical perspective the fundamental and work value, leadership styles, and work attitudes of these generations, taking into account regional differences between the North America and European nations. The review indicates that an increasing number of studies have adopted the assumption that, regardless differences in social and economic situations of different nations, generational cohorts have the same patterns and biases. The research conducted in this article contributes to enhancing the approach of generational theory in organizational behaviors studies and highlighting the idea of stark disparities across various areas and nations based on various historical occurrences.

Article history: Received: February 22, 2024; Reviewed: March 10, 2024;
Accepted: March 25, 2024; Available online: March 29, 2024.

JEL classification: N30, J10.

Pets In Advertising or How to Influence Consumers?

2024-03-29T11:29:03+00:00

Animals have always played an important role in the history of humanity. We only have to think of prehistoric cave paintings, or the relationship between our grandparents and animals, or recall the iconic films Alpha or Hachi, A Dog’s Tale. However, it is important to note that the nature of the relationship between animals and humans has changed over time. Whereas in the past their relationship was mainly characterised by respect: maintaining their personal independence; nowadays this relationship has taken on a different dimension, as pets – in most families – live in the same household, receiving the same level of attention as the rest of the family. The primary objectives of this study are (1) to identify the product/service categories that are not targeted at dogs and pets, but they appear as the primary communicators in the promotion of the product or service, (2) to identify the characteristics that fundamentally define this type of advertising.

Article history: Received: November 22, 2023; Reviewed: February 2, 2024;
Accepted: March 7, 2024; Available online: March 29, 2024.

JEL classification: M37.

The Science Fiction of the Past, the Reality of the Present – Smart Cities

2024-03-29T11:50:35+00:00

The concept of smart cities has gained recognition in the last few years because of the increasing urban population coupled with rise in the number of urban problems. Smart cities – usage of information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the standard of living, thereby, represents a digital solution for the urban communities that aims for economic growth and sustainability. The present paper offers an overview of this innovative concept. Smart Mobility, Smart Economy, Smart People, Smart Environment, Smart Living and Smart Governance are the six pillars of a smart city. However, the article puts an emphasis on smart governance, while providing a brief description of all the other dimensions. By highlighting some of the benefits and challenges that smart governance offers to urban citizens, it presents the significance of collaboration between different stakeholders including citizens, public institutions and government officials. In conclusion, the study argues smart governance is essential for promoting good governance practices but there is a need to consider the other factors such as social inclusion and basic human rights while adopting this new method in decision-making process.

Article history: Received: September 22, 2023; Reviewed: December 10, 2023;
Accepted: February 27, 2024; Available online: March 29, 2024.

JEL Classification: O18, Q56, R59.